Revd Toby’s letter – Reopening Church

United Benefice of Altham and Clayton-le-Moors

Vicar: Revd Toby Webber, The Vicarage, Church St, Clayton-le-Moors
(01254) 384321   tobywebber@btinternet.com

                                                                                                                                                                June 2020

Dear friends

I hope that you are keeping well.  Over the six weeks or so since my last letter I have continued to see people out and about – including people I hadn’t previously seen since lockdown and I’ve continued to see familiar names commenting on screen through the Facebook services.  So a special hello to those I haven’t yet seen.

These last weeks have, of course, seen a gradual easing of the lockdown, and more life has returned to our streets and parks.  Even non-essential shops are open again.  And from 4th July many of the restrictions will cease.  We will be even more dependent on people exercising common sense and self-control, for the sake of the common good.

One element of the change is that – for the first time since 15 March – we can have Sunday worship in church.

Both our churches will, God willing, open for worship from Sunday 5th July.  There will initially be only one service in each church per week – Altham at 9:30pm and All Saints’ at 11am.  As you have probably heard, there will be no singing permitted.  There will be Holy Communion, which will be received standing and in one kind (only the consecrated bread will be received).

The fact that church is open for worship should not make anyone feel obliged to come at this stage.  Those who are shielding should NOT attend worship before the start of August at the very earliest.  Others who are or live with those at increased risk should they contract COVID-19 should think carefully about whether or not it is right for them to come at this stage.

We are taking the steps necessary to make it as safe as practical for people who attend.  Please do your bit by using the hand sanitiser when entering and leaving the building, by keeping your distance from others and by following the instructions of the wardens/sidespeople.  Pews which are not to be used are clearly marked.

We will need to record the name and contact information of those who attend in case this needs to be supplied to contact tracers.  This will be kept securely and destroyed after three weeks.

If you bring children with you, they will need to remain in the pew with you.  Do bring your own quiet toys/books/colouring as the bags, toys, etc have all been tidied away.

A collection will not be taken during the service, but there will be a plate available if you wish to place anything on it as you enter or leave church.  For All Saints’ weekly envelope givers the new boxes of envelopes will be available for you to collect.  However, the simplest and safest method of giving is to do so direct from your bank.  If you haven’t done so yet, perhaps now is the time to switch to giving by standing order?  We can easily let you have the details.

Churches will open from 15 minutes before the advertised service time.  Once the service is over you will be asked to leave – starting with those nearest the exit.  There will be no refreshments or fellowship time after the service.  People must not congregate in groups for conversation, particularly indoors.

I anticipate that there will be sufficient space for those who wish to attend to do so safely.  Should there be a situation where the church has no more safe seating please don’t be offended if you are told that unfortunately you can’t come in on this occasion.  We’ll make sure you get priority seating next time!

We will stream the 11am service from All Saints’ Church for people not attending to watch at home, either live or on catch up.  Other times of worship will continue as at present to be offered via Facebook – 10:45am short family worship on Sunday mornings, 10am Morning Prayer on Wednesday and Friday mornings, 6:30pm Friday Praise and 9:30pm Night Prayer (except Friday).  The pattern of worship will be reviewed when we reach the school summer holidays.

Before too long I hope that it will be possible to begin services on Wednesday mornings at All Saints.  Funerals are possible in church and we are planning on baptisms from September, all with restrictions and social distancing.  Weddings are also possible and we will have one in August which will be lovely.

For those of us who can, returning to the church building will be a privilege.  It will in particular be a joy to celebrate Holy Communion together again and I pray that we will all approach that gift with eager expectation after so long a fast from the Eucharist. Those in church will hold in their thoughts those who are worshipping at home.  May the spiritual unity which has helped us keep together through these lockdown months persist as we go forward.

Can I include a reminder for those who aren’t on-line that anyone can access a free Church of England resource called ’Daily Hope’ by ringing 0800 804 8044?  There is a choice of listening, from hymns to a full service and the Mothers’ Union midday prayer.

 

With my love, prayers and best wishes,

Toby

 

Prayers for Guidance

Prayer for Guidance in the Day Ahead

Good morning, Lord! Today’s a new day, a chance for a new start. Yesterday is gone and with it any regrets, mistakes, or failures I may have experienced. It’s a good day to be glad and give thanks, and I do, Lord. Thank you for today, a new opportunity to love, give, and be all that you want me to be.

Today I want to start the day with you on my mind and in my heart. As I dress, let me wear the armor you’ve provided daily: the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the belt of truth, the shoes of peace, and the sword of the spirit — with a prayer on my tongue: praise for you and petitions for those around me and those I meet.

Feed me today with your daily bread. As the Bread of Life, your food, like manna, will sustain me throughout any trials and hunger. Help me to set my thoughts on things above and to speak only what will help and encourage others. Keep me from putting my foot in my mouth, and help me guard the affections of my heart today, Lord. Make whatever work I do be marked with excellence rather than perfectionism, as I seek not to make a name, but to make a difference. Help me to treat each person I encounter as you would, with respect and love, forgiving others and asking for forgiveness myself when needed.

As I start this day, help me remember that I belong to you, and my desire is to act accordingly. Keep my feet from stumbling and my mind from wandering into distractions that could steal precious time and energy from the most important things you have designed for me. I’m proud to be your child, Lord. And I’m so grateful that you died for me—rising again on your own new morning—so that every day could be filled with the wonder of your love, the freedom of your Spirit, and the joy of knowing you.

I know earthly life is short and fleeting, Lord. But I want to live today as if it were the first or the last day of my life, giving thanks for every good and perfect gift you choose to give. Today, and every day, I want to live my life for you, Jesus. In your precious name, Amen. –

Rebecca Barlow Jordan

 

Prayers for our world

For those caught up in tragedy and disaster

O Lord our God,
source of all goodness and love,
accept the fervent prayers of your people;
in the multitude of your mercies look with compassion
upon all who turn to you for help;
for you are gracious, O lover of souls,
and to you we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
now and for ever.
Amen.

For justice

Living God,
deliver us from a world without justice
and a future without mercy;
in your mercy, establish justice,
and in your justice, remember the mercy
revealed to us in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

For international unrest

Almighty Father,
whose will is to restore all things
in your beloved Son, the King of all:
govern the hearts and minds of those in authority,
and bring the families of the nations,
divided and torn apart by the ravages of sin,
to be subject to his just and gentle rule;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

At a time of despair

Restless with grief and fear,
the abandoned turn to you:
in every hour of trial,
good Lord, deliver us,
O God most holy, God most strong,
whose wisdom is the cross of Christ.
Amen.

For peace and safety amid unrest

O God, who would fold both heaven and earth in a single peace:
let the design of thy great love
lighten upon the waste of our wraths and sorrows:
and give peace to thy Church,
peace among nations,
peace in our dwellings,
and peace in our hearts:
through thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.

For the refugee crisis

Heavenly Father,
you are the source of all goodness, generosity and love.
We thank you for opening the hearts of many
to those who are fleeing for their lives.
Help us now to open our arms in welcome,
and reach out our hands in support.
That the desperate may find new hope,
and lives torn apart be restored.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord,
who fled persecution at His birth
and at His last triumphed over death.
Amen.

For the cold and homeless

God of compassion,
your love for humanity was revealed in Jesus,
whose earthly life began in the poverty of a stable
and ended in the pain and isolation of the cross:
we hold before you those who are homeless and cold
especially in this bitter weather.
Draw near and comfort them in spirit
and bless those who work to provide them
with shelter, food and friendship.
We ask this in Jesus’ name.
Amen.

For union with creation

Father, we praise you with all your creatures.
They came forth from your all-powerful hand;
they are yours, filled with your presence and your tender love.
Praise be to you!

Son of God, Jesus,
through you all things were made.
You were formed in the womb of Mary our Mother,
you became part of this earth,
and you gazed upon this world with human eyes.
Today you are alive in every creature
in your risen glory.
Praise be to you!

Holy Spirit, by your light
you guide this world towards the Father’s love
and accompany creation as it groans in travail.
You also dwell in our hearts
and you inspire us to do what is good.
Praise be to you!

Triune Lord, wondrous community of infinite love,
teach us to contemplate you
in the beauty of the universe,
for all things speak of you.
Awaken our praise and thankfulness
for every being that you have made.
Give us the grace to feel profoundly joined
to everything that is.

God of love, show us our place in this world
as channels of your love
for all the creatures of this earth,
for not one of them is forgotten in your sight.
Enlighten those who possess power and money
that they may avoid the sin of indifference,
that they may love the common good, advance the weak,
and care for this world in which we live.
The poor and the earth are crying out.
O Lord, seize us with your power and light,
help us to protect all life,
to prepare for a better future,
for the coming of your Kingdom
of justice, peace, love and beauty.
Praise be to you!
Amen.

‘A Christian prayer for union with creation’ was published in Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’.

From the Church of England website

Our charitable giving – an update.

As you may well be aware, All Saints’ Church pledges to donate 10% of our income to charity.
So far this year we have mainly focused on covid related needs. So we have –
  • Donated £1000 in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
  • Gifted £1000 to Clayton Baptist Church towards the food bank supporting those in need in our own locality.
  • Gifted £250 towards the appeal to support the people of Nkuringo (in Uganda, East Africa ), through the Nkuringo Education & Community Support Trust. The people of the region are at risk of starvation as a result of the lockdown. The money will provide seeds, food and for the immediate needs of the community.  
    Our link with Nkuringo is via one of the teachers at All Saints’ School, who is involved with the charity; she has sent a thank you message on their behalf…

    ‘Once again thank you so much for the kind donation of £250 towards food.  This will provide 25 families with a much needed supply of Poshu – the staple food there. They are also working hard to distribute seeds and equipment to help the community grow their own food.  With schools closed due to the pandemic the children who would usually have food provided are not receiving any – your donation will ensure families will not starve. Thanks’.

     

    To learn more about the charity’s work or to donate visit their website

Thank you for your continued support.

Keep us, good Lord,

under the shadow of your mercy

in this time of uncertainty and distress.

Sustain and support the anxious and fearful,

and lift up all who are brought low;

that we may rejoice in your comfort

knowing that nothing can separate us from your love

in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

Prayers for our world

For those caught up in tragedy and disaster

O Lord our God,
source of all goodness and love,
accept the fervent prayers of your people;
in the multitude of your mercies look with compassion
upon all who turn to you for help;
for you are gracious, O lover of souls,
and to you we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
now and for ever.
Amen.

For justice

Living God,
deliver us from a world without justice
and a future without mercy;
in your mercy, establish justice,
and in your justice, remember the mercy
revealed to us in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

For international unrest

Almighty Father,
whose will is to restore all things
in your beloved Son, the King of all:
govern the hearts and minds of those in authority,
and bring the families of the nations,
divided and torn apart by the ravages of sin,
to be subject to his just and gentle rule;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

At a time of despair

Restless with grief and fear,
the abandoned turn to you:
in every hour of trial,
good Lord, deliver us,
O God most holy, God most strong,
whose wisdom is the cross of Christ.
Amen.

For peace and safety amid unrest

O God, who would fold both heaven and earth in a single peace:
let the design of thy great love
lighten upon the waste of our wraths and sorrows:
and give peace to thy Church,
peace among nations,
peace in our dwellings,
and peace in our hearts:
through thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.

For the refugee crisis

Heavenly Father,
you are the source of all goodness, generosity and love.
We thank you for opening the hearts of many
to those who are fleeing for their lives.
Help us now to open our arms in welcome,
and reach out our hands in support.
That the desperate may find new hope,
and lives torn apart be restored.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord,
who fled persecution at His birth
and at His last triumphed over death.
Amen.

For the cold and homeless

God of compassion,
your love for humanity was revealed in Jesus,
whose earthly life began in the poverty of a stable
and ended in the pain and isolation of the cross:
we hold before you those who are homeless and cold
especially in this bitter weather.
Draw near and comfort them in spirit
and bless those who work to provide them
with shelter, food and friendship.
We ask this in Jesus’ name.
Amen.

For union with creation

Father, we praise you with all your creatures.
They came forth from your all-powerful hand;
they are yours, filled with your presence and your tender love.
Praise be to you!

Son of God, Jesus,
through you all things were made.
You were formed in the womb of Mary our Mother,
you became part of this earth,
and you gazed upon this world with human eyes.
Today you are alive in every creature
in your risen glory.
Praise be to you!

Holy Spirit, by your light
you guide this world towards the Father’s love
and accompany creation as it groans in travail.
You also dwell in our hearts
and you inspire us to do what is good.
Praise be to you!

Triune Lord, wondrous community of infinite love,
teach us to contemplate you
in the beauty of the universe,
for all things speak of you.
Awaken our praise and thankfulness
for every being that you have made.
Give us the grace to feel profoundly joined
to everything that is.

God of love, show us our place in this world
as channels of your love
for all the creatures of this earth,
for not one of them is forgotten in your sight.
Enlighten those who possess power and money
that they may avoid the sin of indifference,
that they may love the common good, advance the weak,
and care for this world in which we live.
The poor and the earth are crying out.
O Lord, seize us with your power and light,
help us to protect all life,
to prepare for a better future,
for the coming of your Kingdom
of justice, peace, love and beauty.
Praise be to you!
Amen.

‘A Christian prayer for union with creation’ was published in Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’.

From the Church of England website

Our charitable giving – an update.

As you may well be aware, All Saints’ Church pledges to donate 10% of our income to charity.
So far this year we have mainly focused on covid related needs. So we have –
  • Donated £1000 in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
  • Gifted £1000 to Clayton Baptist Church towards the food bank supporting those in need in our own locality.
  • Gifted £250 towards the appeal to support the people of Nkuringo (in Uganda, East Africa ), through the Nkuringo Education & Community Support Trust. The people of the region are at risk of starvation as a result of the lockdown. The money will provide seeds, food and for the immediate needs of the community.  
    Our link with Nkuringo is via one of the teachers at All Saints’ School, who is involved with the charity; she has sent a thank you message on their behalf…

    ‘Once again thank you so much for the kind donation of £250 towards food.  This will provide 25 families with a much needed supply of Poshu – the staple food there. They are also working hard to distribute seeds and equipment to help the community grow their own food.  With schools closed due to the pandemic the children who would usually have food provided are not receiving any – your donation will ensure families will not starve. Thanks’.

     

    To learn more about the charity’s work or to donate visit their website

Thank you for your continued support.

Keep us, good Lord,

under the shadow of your mercy

in this time of uncertainty and distress.

Sustain and support the anxious and fearful,

and lift up all who are brought low;

that we may rejoice in your comfort

knowing that nothing can separate us from your love

in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

Prayers for our times

Prayer for this Month

Loving God, 

We pray during these difficult times for all lives lost over the past few weeks, may they rest in Your eternal light and love. 

We pray that their families and friends find comfort and strength. 

We give thanks for all of our key workers who are working extremely hard to support health and welfare in all parts of your world.

 Although we are living through a devastating pandemic, we thank you God for the ever increasing kindness, generosity and sharing that is bringing and growing communities together reminding us that You are truly with us and continue to carry us even through darkness.

Amen

Clare Byfield

 

God of redemption,

your challenge is peace.
Given not as the world gives it – with limits, conditions and reversibility,
but unconditionally – with infinite love.
We pray today for those of us who find ourselves
in places we do not want to inhabit –
a home or community where we no longer feel welcome;
an identity that feels cut off at its roots.
We pray for those of us with feelings we do not know what to do with –
loss and grief,
fear and anxiety,
aggression and vengeance,
exclusion and banishment,
uncertainty about our future.
Bless us now, whatever we feel and whoever we are.
Dwell in our souls deeply.
Give us the courage to tell our stories honestly and openly;
the compassion to hear the stories of others with an open heart;
the discipline to share what we have;
the discernment to advocate for those more vulnerable than we are,
and the means to be agents of care and connection,
justice and hope –
to seek out and celebrate the life and joy in our communities,
setting a tone in harmony with you.
We ask these things in the name of Jesus and those who came after him,
who lived in times of bitter conflict,
who were perplexed but not driven to despair,
afflicted in every way, but not crushed,
persecuted, but not forsaken.
All the time, proclaiming you.

Amen